Troopers charge meth found in beer can during search

Laplante

ONEIDA — A former business owner in Madison County was charged Sunday with possessing a quantity of methamphetamine, which he had hidden in a beer can.

State police said Thomas M. Laplante, 44, of Oneida, is a former co-owner of Collier’s Glass & Mirrors, and is a local painter. Troopers said he was coming from a job site when he pulled up to the residence of Travis A. Ellsworth on Genesee Street Sunday morning. Ellsworth had just been charged with possessing methamphetamine, authorities said.

Troopers searched Laplante’s company truck and found a quantity of meth hidden inside a beer can.

Laplante is charged with seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance, troopers said. He was released on an appearance ticket to City Court on May 4.